Patriot Update

Thousands of people have taken to their computers and phones in rage after The Journal News posted an online database of local gun-permit holders.

The database, legally obtained from the county clerks’ offices through a Freedom of Information Act request made after the shootings at Sandy Hook (Conn.) Elementary School left 20 children and six staffers dead, has been called irresponsible, dangerous and leaning toward intimidation by online pundits.

Social media played a big part in the exponential spread of the story, whose map has been recommended more than 20,000 times.